News, 10/27/2013

Applications now accepted for the free Millennium Youth Camp

Talented high school students from all over the world will once again come together in Finland when the fifth Millennium Youth Camp kicks off in June 2014. During the week-long camp, young people aged 16–19 who share an interest in science, mathematics and technology will conduct scientific sustainability projects under expert guidance, while also learning about Finnish innovations and research carried out by businesses and universities. Applications for the camp are accepted until 15 December 2013.

The international Millennium Youth Camp, arranged annually, offers scientifically and technically oriented youths an opportunity to spend a summer’s week with like-minded peers. Young people from all over the world are encouraged to apply. Last year, more than one thousand applications were received from more than one hundred countries, and 60 young people from 31 countries were selected to participate. The camp is free of charge (including both travel and accommodation), and its official language is English.

One of the aims of the camp is to allow budding scientists to network while still in school, to help them kick off a career in science and technology. At the same time, the campers learn about the excellent education and work opportunities available in Finland. This year, businesses will be even more involved in selecting the topics for the projects along with university experts. Cooperation with businesses will give the campers concrete examples of the importance of science and technology in building success.

The sponsors of the 2014 camp are Kemira, Neste Oil, Nokia, Rovio and UPM.

Two-phase application process for camp

The 2014 Millennium Youth Camp will be held during 3 – 11 June 2014 in the Greater Helsinki area in Finland. All young people born in the years 1995–1998 from anywhere in the world may apply for the camp through the Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA’s (University of Helsinki) online service.

Application for the first phase begins on 15 October and ends on 15 December. On 3 February 2014, 200 young people will be chosen from these applicants for the second phase. They will be given the task of drawing up a plan on their own for a project relating to the topics.

The names of the 60 participants chosen for the camp will be published on 17 March 2014. The participants will be chosen by a team of experts comprising representatives from Finnish universities and from Millennium Youth Camp partner companies.

The main organizers of the Millennium Youth Camp are Technology Academy Finland, the Finnish Science Education Centre LUMA (University of Helsinki) and Aalto University. Numerous Finnish companies and organizations are also involved.